Truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch: report of a successful surgical repair

The association of truncus arteriosus with interrupted aortic arch represents a formidable surgical challenge. Two successful repairs have been reported, but none for the past ten years. This report presents a third successful repair using a technique that allows the widely patent ductus arteriosus to maintain continuity between the truncus (with pulmonary arteries detached) and the descending aorta. Right ventricle-pulmonary artery continuity is established in the usual way with a porcine-valved conduit. While long-term potential difficulties with this approach are recognized, it appears to give satisfactory initial palliation and to be an acceptable method of treatment for this combination of defects. The embryology and the anatomy of the lesion are briefly discussed.